Local pair busted in theft case from Lowville Walmart, police say

LOWVILLE- A shoplifting complaint from a North Country retail outlet has resulted in charges filed against two local residents from Northern Oneida County.

Michael W. Case, 34, and Nicole E. Lighthall, 27, both of Forestport, NY, were arrested Tuesday by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Lighthall is officially charged with one misdemeanor count of petit larceny and one felony count of burglary in the third-degree. Meanwhile, Case is formally charged with one misdemeanor count of conspiracy in the sixth-degree and one felony count of burglary in the third-degree.

Deputies say these charges stem from a shoplifting complaint, which was received Tuesday evening at the Lowville Walmart.

Store officials managed to capture a license plate and vehicle description, which ultimately led to a traffic stop.

According to investigators, it’s alleged that Case had been entering the store, separate from Lighthall, and setting aside items to take. Once Case finished touring the store, Lighthall entered the establishment and allegedly left with said items without paying for them.

For context, authorities say the burglary charges were filed because both suspects previously had trespassed the store during a separate case.

At press time, police said both suspects were processed and released with appearance tickets, which are all returnable to Lowville Town Court at a later date.

Lowville Village Police assisted with the investigation.

LCSO image.